Kelly Bensimon wants to clear the air: she was just doing her job as a reality TV star.

For three seasons, the author, jewelry designer and former model duked it out with her Real Housewives of New York cast mates, including Bethenny Frankel. One of their epic showdowns still stands as one of the series’ highest-rated episodes.

“We were cast mates on a television show, I have absolutely no issues with her,” Bensimon told Celebuzz on Saturday at the 2013 Kettleball Kickboxing Fitness Gala in New York City.

“They asked me to blast her . . . I got paid, and I did. That doesn’t mean I don’t like her, it’s just like, that’s what you do.”

Bensimon also opened up about Frankel’s recent divorce from Jason Hoppy.

“I obviously empathize with everyone that’s going through a horrible time, especially a divorce,” she said.

“It’s a very, very difficult time.”

The Rockford, Ill. native also gave her opinion on reality TV and what she had to fight for on Housewives.

“Coming to New York was such a big dream for me, and I really didn’t like how they were shattering these dreams on how awesome New York was. I was very proactive about making it clear that New York is an amazing city and women are not like [The Real Housewives] in New York.”

For more of our exclusive chat with Kelly Bensimon, check out the video, above. Do you have a favorite Housewife from the New York series? Weigh in below.

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